(Central Islip, N.Y., May 30, 2017) – The Long Island Ducks defeated the Sugar Land Skeeters 3-2 in 11 innings on Tuesday night in the opener of a three-game series at Bethpage Ballpark.
Sugar Land took a 1-0 lead in the first inning on a two-out RBI single to center field by Hector Olivera off of Duck starter Matt Larkins. It stayed that way until the top of the seventh when Joe Benson singled and later scored on a two-out fly ball to center off the bat of Andy Wilkins that was lost in the sky.
Long Island closed to within one in the eighth on an RBI single to right by Giovanny Alfonzo. Marc Krauss then tied the game at two in the ninth with a leadoff solo home run to left-center field.
It remained 2-2 until the bottom of the 11th when Krauss walked to begin the inning. He then went from first to third on a two-out throwing error by catcher Albert Cordero and scored the winning run on Alfonzo’s RBI infield single to third base.
Neither starter factored into the decision. Jake Hale pitched seven scoreless innings, allowing just four hits and three walks with two strikeouts. Larkins gave up just one run on four hits and four walks over six innings while striking out six. Tyler Levine (2-0) picked up the win after tossing a scoreless 11th inning, stranding the go-ahead run in scoring position. Sean Gleason (1-2) suffered the loss, surrendering the winning run (unearned) on two hits and a walk in one and two-thirds innings.
The Ducks and Skeeters continue their three-game set on Wednesday night. Game time is slated for 6:35 p.m. with the Bethpage Ballpark gates opening at 5:35 (5:20 for full-season ticket holders). It’s a Waddle In Wednesday at the ballpark, and a special item in the Waddle In Shop will be available at a 20% discount all game long. The selected item will be announced on LIDucks.com the morning of the game as well as in the ballpark during the game. Left-hander Eury De La Rosa (1-0, 2.16) takes the mound for the Ducks against Skeeters righty Michael Nix (2-5, 4.29).
Tickets to the game, and all Ducks home games, are available by visiting the Bethpage Ballpark box office, calling (631) 940-TIXX or CLICKING HERE. Those unable to make the game can follow all the action online on the Long Island Ducks Broadcast Network. Live streaming HD video and audio will be available via BoxCast on the Ducks’ official Facebook page, YouTube channel and at LIDucks.com.
The Long Island Ducks are members of the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball and play their home games at Bethpage Ballpark. For further information, call (631) 940-DUCK or visit www.liducks.com.
About the Atlantic League of Professional Baseball (ALPB)
The Atlantic League has been a leader in professional baseball and a gateway to Major League Baseball since 1998. Over 36 million fans have attended Atlantic League games and more than 800 players and 50 managers and coaches have joined MLB organizations directly from the ALPB. The Atlantic League emphasizes winning baseball games, showcasing the talent of top-caliber players and offering affordable family entertainment to metropolitan markets serving nearly 15% of the US population.
For more information, please visit www.atlanticleague.com.